Cranberry Date Bars from Debbie Edgerton dishes as eaten around the world Holiday Dessert bake-off Christmas Special recipe. Best Misc dessert 2010 recipe.

Yield: 3 dozen

Ingredients

1 package (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed

1 package (8 ounces) chopped dates

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 cup butter, melted

Glaze

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method 

In a covered saucepan over low heat, simmer cranberries, dates and water for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries have popped. 

Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. 

Stir in butter until well blended. Pat half into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 8 minutes.

Spoon cranberry mixture over crust. Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture. Pat gently. 

Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until browned. Cool. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over bars.